Tyler Hope scores twice in 3-2 upset of the South Division Leading Bulls

Wichita Falls was able to hand the Bulls only their 5th regulation loss of the season with a surprise 3-2 win over the Bulls at the Kay Yeager Coliseum back on Tuesday Night. Tyler Hope (McKinney, Texas) was able to score twice in the game as well as Patrick Yudez being able to assist on all three of the Wildcats goals as they were able to climb within a point of 5th Place Odessa and look to continue to be in close distance of the Corpus Christi IceRays as they sit just 7 points back.

However, Corpus Christi has the advantage as the IceRays have 3 games in hand (17 GMS left for Corpus Christi, 14 GMS left for Wichita Falls, 17 GMS left for Odessa) for the battle for teh 4th & Final Playoff Spot in the NAHL's South Division heating up.

A critical weekend series is on the horizon as the IceRays will host the Wichita Falls Wildcats for a weekend series at the American Bank Center this weekend where the IceRays can continue their lead for the final Playoff spot. While a Wichita Falls Domination could be as close as 3 points with a month and a half left in the regular season.

Amarillo on the other hand will travel to Frisco to play the Texas Tornado on Friday & Saturday this upcoming weekend (Both games are at 7:30 PM).

Upcoming Wichita Falls Wildcats Schedule

2/10: @ Corpus Christi Icerays  7:05 PM

2/11: @ Corpus Christi Icerays  7:35 PM

2/24: VS. New Mexico Mustangs  7:05 PM

2/25: VS. New Mexico Mustangs  7:05 PM

2/27: VS. New Mexico Mustangs  7:05 PM

Upcoming Corpus Christi Icerays Schedule

2/10: @ Texas Tornado  7:30 PM

2/11: @ Texas Tornado  7:30 PM

2/24: VS. Texas Tornado  7:00 PM

2/25: VS. Texas Tornado  7:00 PM

3/1: @ Corpus Christi Icerays  7:05 PM

Amarillo Bulls 2  Wichita Falls Wildcats 3  (0-1, 1-1, 1-1)

Game Report by Zach Duncan of the Wichita Falls Times Record News

In Wichita Falls, Texas: By recently trading away a couple of veterans for 2012-13 tenders, first year coach Paul Baxter's plan is to build the Wildcats into a Division contender for next year.

But nights like Tuesday are a reminder that the Wildcats haven't given up on this season, and they can play with anybody at the Kay Yeager Coliseum.

Tyler Hope scored twice and linemate George Pagonis added another goal in a 3-2 victory over league leading Amarillo, which has now lost five times in regulation.

With the win, the Wildcats (16-24-4) moved to within seven points of idle Corpus Christi for the NAHL South's Final Playoff spot. All victories are worth the same two points, but beating the Bulls (34-5-7) definitely provided a boost.

"I just feel like we're a team that we really need all 20 guys going to be successful, and we've been doing that lately," said Patrick Yudez, who finished with three assists. "Hopefully we can keep that up the rest of the season and make a run at the playoffs."

The hard working Hope-Yudez-Pagonis line has accounted for six of the Wildcats 10 goals' over the past three games.

Pagonis was picked up over the Christmas Break and has meshed with Yudez, a fellow Colorado Native.

"We played together growing up, and when he got picked up, I was pretty stoked about playing together with him again," Yudez said. "We just kind of grind away at the opposition, and it seems to work."

The Bulls were without NAHL Leading scorer Brooks Behling, who was serving a one game suspension for a hit last week. But Amarillo still has six other forwards who have scored more then any Wildcat this season and wasn't an easy out.

Amarillo entered with a 24-0-3 record when scoring first, but the Bulls weren't able to add to that impressive streak Tuesday.

In an evenly matched opening period, it was Hope who slammed home a rebound after Matt Purmal's high slap shot seemed to surprise Amarillo Goalie Mike Taffe.

After surviving Amarillo's surge early in the second period, the Wildcats increased their lead to 2-0 at the 12:42 mark when Hope scored his 10th goal after a scramble in front of the Bulls net.

"We played with some urgency and we won some loose puck battles," Baxter said. "I thought that we had a high compete level, and that's what you need at this time of year. That's what you need to compete. "The Bulls converted on the power play with 5:49 left in the second when Mike Erickson scored from the side of the goal."

Nothing came easy for the Wildcats, but Pagonis' third goal in as many games gave the team a 3-1 advantage with 14:07 to play.

Matt Leon was solid in net throughout, stoning Greg Gibson twice in the second period from close range as part of his 28 saves.

Amarillo's Omar Mullen did beat the Wichita Falls held its ground in the waning minutes to secure its second win in seven games against the Bulls.

The Wildcats now head to Corpus Christi with momentum for their last two games this season against the IceRays.

"Those are two big games," Yudez said. "If we can sweep Corpus Christi this weekend, we'll be right back in the race."

Notes: The Wildcats played without forward Tyler Bruneteau who suffered a concussion last Friday. But forward Jacob Batcha returned for the first time since when he suffered a concussion on December 16 after 29 games without a penalty, Yudez has now received a two minute minor in the past three Wichita Falls was 0/6 against the league's top penalty kill and only managed one shot. The Wildcats are 0-for-28 over the last eight games with the man advantage.

Amarillo blast Odessa in front of full house

The Jackalopes were looking to impress in front of one their biggest crowds of the season of nearly 5,000 as the Bulls continued to show that they are the best team in the NAHL South Division which included a hat trick from Joe Kozlak that took the Bulls an impressive 15 point lead over both the Topeka Roadrunners & Texas Tornado and basically on the verge of officially clinching the 1st Playoff Spot in the South Division this season as the Bulls look to show that they can get back to the NAHL Robertson Cup Tournament in Frisco coming up in May.

Game Report from Dave Henry of the Amarillo Globe News

Odessa Jackalopes 2  Amarillo Bulls 7  (1-2, 0-2, 1-3)

From Amarillo, Texas: Even if the 4,936 fans had paid to get in the doors of the Cal Farley Coliseum, they still would have had more then got their money's worth.

The Amarillo Bulls put on an impressive show on "Sonic Sunday" - the team's 2nd free admission game in two seasons - by storming past the Odessa Jackalopes, 7-2.

And the game had a little bit of everything, from fights to natural hat tricks to playoff implications. Amarillo stretched its streak of non losses (games in which the Bulls have not lost regulation and earned at least one point) to 21 straight games, the best streak in the North American Hockey League this season.

The Bulls also clinched at least a tie for a playoff birth and will earn a post-season spot outright with their next win.

And for the second straight night, the Bulls weren't shy about dropping their gloves with their opponent.

The Bulls and Jackalopes had four fights, including a rare goaltending tussle between Amarillo's Mike Taffe & Odessa's Justin Davis 21 seconds into the third period when the net-minders charged each other at center ice.

"We talk about us a group playing tough hockey. It is a team game and we ask guys to stick up for each other," and that's what we've been doing," said Bulls Head Coach Dennis Williams. "Our Penalty Kill has been good right now, but obviously there are some penalties there that I don't like - the slashing and the hooking. A penalty for boarding or a hard hit, hey, that happens. We just don't need to take those lazy penalties."

Bulls forward Joe Kozlak did come out lazy as he had Amarillo's first three goals, including two on the power play, and the Bulls were in control from that point.

"I just got to the front of the net," said Kozlak, who has 19 goals.

"One was just a shot from the slot and the others were putting the puck on the net from the dirty areas. We've always been a physical team, that is our nature. We don't always do things pretty. We just wanted to work their defense down low and use that to our advantage."

"We had some fights, we had some hits and we had some goals, and I think everyone had fun tonight. I know we had a lot of fun tonight."

The Bulls recent penchant for fisticuffs was evident when Taffe and Davis stormed from their respective nets during another fight between Bulls defensemen John Rey and Odessa Defensemen Tyler Minx. Both goalies received fighting/game misconducts and hit the showers.

"(Davis) kind of asked me during the second TV Timeout. He had a couple of choice words for me and I didn't want to have anything to do with it," said Taffe, who stopped 10 of 11 shots and improved to 16-1-3."

"After our first little scrum, I said 'Why Not?' There's 4,500 fans and I don't like being called out and i'm not afraid to throw them down if I have to.

"If your going to hit us, we're going to hit you right back."





Texas Rubber Magazine Feature on the NAHL in Texas

Here's a recent magazine article that was featured in Texas Rubber Magazine by John Tranchina about the North American Hockey League's Growth in Texas with 5 teams and a growing number of youth players it's effected as well.

Here's the Texas Rubber Magazine Article by John Tranchina

With no less then 5 of it's 28 franchises based in the North American Hockey League (NAHL), the United States only Tier 2 Junior A League, is the nations largest state is a testament how far the sport has progressed.

That Texas host more NAHL Clubs then any other state marks a dramatic increase from a low of one (Wichita Falls Wildcats) just four seasons ago in 2008-2009, when the four time Robertson Cup Champion Texas Tornado suspended operations to allow for the renovation of the Dr. Pepper Star Center in Frisco. Since then, the Tornado returned, switched ownership and gained new rivals with expansion teams in Amarillo (Bulls), Corpus Christi (Icerays) & Odessa (Jackalopes).

Each of the three newest Texas squads resides in cities that previously housed in the Central Hockey League (CHL) clubs that were forced to ceased operations. Now, showcasing in the NAHL's exciting brand of junior hockey, they are all thriving, with each of the five Texas clubs among the league's top nine in attendance.

"In all of those cases, they were basically markets that became available and they are interested in the North American Hockey League model and it seems to be paying off for them." noted NAHL Commissioner Mark Frankenfeld, whose league headquarters are based in Frisco. "Our strategy, in general, is you want to have good partners and close divisional rivalries. That's our strategy in Michigan or whereever you're considering expanding, but in Texas, there was no strategy there, just the change of the times with the economy and ownership changes. It's really more of a natural progression of a model and a benefit to our league. Had we not existing partners in Texas & Wichita Falls, that probably would not have evolved."

Having built in rivalries with the other Texas Teams has been a major factor in each of the new teams successes, both as far as keeping travel costs down and in having familiar opponents for their fans to root against.

"Most definitely it's good for us because if it wasn't for those teams, we couldn't be in this league," acknowledged Patt Dunn, general manager of the second year Icerays. "Already, we have to go to New Mexico & Topeka and we have 14, 15 hour bus rides. That's far enough, I'd hate to see if our closest rivals, so definitely it's a plus. And there are other teams that were in the Central Hockey League at one point, so for the fans, that's there familiarity."

The transition from Professional Hockey to high-level juniors has progressed smoothly for each of the three newcomers, both at the ticket window and within the community. "We're in our second year, but we had been in pro hockey for 13 years and it was rough," remarked Dunn, we also spent several years working for the CHL incarnation of the IceRays. "We enjoyed it and really enjoyed the product, but it was just time to move on. We went to the NAHL and have been very happy and our fans have embraced it. We had to educate our fans on what the product was, but after they got to witness it themselves, they're really excited about it and enjoying the quality of play."

One other positive each of the three newcomer NAHL Cities have experienced is more of a commitment by the clubs to serve the community. With teenage players between the ages of 16 and 20, they are more eager participants to giving back to the communities, and that higher visibility in turn helps more kids to the local youth hockey programs.

"They're a big reason we're doing so well as we are this year." stated Amarillo Hockey Association, Inc. (AHAI) president Kenneth Creamer, whose organization maintains a strong connection with the NAHL's Bulls. "They are in the community and they're promoting youth hockey a lot more then we used to get with the pro team. These guys are not getting paid, it's not their job, so they doing everything they can to be involved in the community and to grow hockey in our area."

With the tremendous escalation of the game at the grassroots level in Texas over the last decade plus, more and more locally produced players are ending up on NAHL Rosters and that serves as further inspiration for the kids in those youth programs.

"Any time you read a program and you see half the team is from Plano or Flower Mound or Dallas, it just excites everybody and makes them think, 'Hey we could be that guy,'" Dunn said. "So the younger kids believe it and they're thinking they could be the next guy playing here, that you don't have to have ice in your backyard to become a hockey player. Kids down here in the South are really good athletes and are getting into hockey."

Austin Sutter, who serves as the Amarillo Youth Programs ice coordinator while doubling as business development manager for the Bulls, illuminates how profoundly the relationship can be mutually beneficial. "The bigger the youth hockey program grows, the more revenue we can bring in for the NAHL Team and vice versa," said Sutter, who played four plus seasons for the former Amarillo Gorillas in the CHL before retiring in 2010 to get into youth coaching. "The Bulls understand the value of that partnership and so does youth hockey. When the Bulls fans come to games, they can see that we offer quite a program for kids here for kids that want to play and try the game. We do work hand-in-hand."

"Everywhere, the youth programs grow when you have a junior team there," Frankenfeld said. "That situation is good for everybody, with more people playing hockey."

About Texas Rubber Magazine: Texas Rubber Magazine is a brand new digital magazine that debut last fall and it's a monthly magazine with different features on different Youth & Junior Teams around the State. Including Texas, Rubber Magazine also does similar magazine for the states of Arizona, California, Colorado & Florida.

NAHL South Division Report; Amarillo taking early success in stride

Here's a look at this weeks South Division Report about the Amarillo Gorillas off to a great start as they take in a new home after being in the Southern Minnesota town of Albert Lea where they were having problem after problem with the team before they moved to the Texas Panhandle.

So far, the Bulls are tied for first in the South Division with a 9-3-1 record through 13 games and will be hosting the Wichita Falls Wildcats on Friday Night for the only game of the weekend. They hoping that they can get the win and get some help from the Corpus Christi Icerays as they will host the Texas Tornado for a pair of games this weekend on Saturday Night and Sunday Afternoon.

The top players for the Bulls so far has to be one of the top goalies in the NAHL with a solid .929 SV% and a 2.17 GAA in 12 games played this season.

As for offensive production, keep a look out for Zach Smoot who's leading the team in scoring with 14 points (6G 8A) as well as Cody Freeman who leads the team in goals right now with 7. In addition just announced yesterday that defensemen Kyle Sucher has been named on the NHL Central Scouting Watch list for 2011. Sucher is a commit to Bowling Green State University and has 2 goals in 8 games so far this season.

Here's the NAHL South Division Report by Zach Duncan

Derek Williams is a firm believer in keeping everything in an even keel. So though his Amarillo Bulls are fresh of an impressive two game sweep of the Topeka Roadrunners and are tied for the NAHL South Lead, don't expect them to be overconfident.

"It's a long season, and we'll have some highs and lows," said Williams, who came to the Amarillo Bulls after coaching at Bowling Green State Univeristy. "Whetever gets thrown at us, we just have to keep going."

Saturday Night was a perfect example of maintain composure through adversity.

After the Bulls 4-2 victory on Friday in which Dan Sherer scored twice - including the game winner with 7:15 to go - Topeka surged ahead 4-1 the next night.

But the Bulls didn't panic. When Michael Erickson scored with one second remaining in the second period, Amarillo was re-energized despite trailing by two goals.

"It gave us some life," Williams said. "In the locker room, we talked about how we've scored two goals in a lot of periods this year. We aren't going to change our game plan."

Terrance Johnson and Chris Cass responded by finding the back of the net in the final 20 minutes, and Johnson notched the difference maker in the seventh round of the shootout.

The Bulls are third in the NAHL in scoring, averaging 4.15 Goals per game. But there isn't anyone from Amarillo that's in the top 15 of the league's leading scoring leaders.

Impressive depth is the reason for that. Ten players have recorded at least 8 points, led by Zach Smoot (6G 8A) and Cody Freeman (7G 5A).

In fact, theirs not a single player on the Amarillo's current roster with plus-minus rating in the red.

"All four lines are contributing," said Williams. "I can't tell you who our #1 line is right now. We're strived for 5-on-5."

The Defense lead by captain Derek Hills, Luke Jenkins and Karl Backman, has also hunkered down, allowing just 26.42 shots per game.

Williams said that Amarillo has a good mix of veterans and junior hockey newcomers. Eight Bulls played last season with the Albert Lea Thunder, the team that relocated to Texas during the off-season.

One of those was Smoot, who Williams said he is a fast skater and good puck-handler who's elevated his game up a notch since the preseason.

Another is goaltender Nikifor Szczerba, who played in 13 games for the Thunder in 2009-2010.

"I thought at camp, he looked a little out of shape and his conditioning was suspect," Williams said. "Now's he's getting in workouts after games, going hard on a bike."

"And more and more guys are doing that. We had 12 guys doing a squat workout after Saturday's game, and that was a tough battle. "That's really nice to see."

The hard work has paid off for Szczerba, who is sporting a 9-1-1 record with a 2.17 GAA and a .929 SV% so far this season.

And it's paid off for the Bulls, who look to keep the momentum rolling Friday against the Wichita Falls Wildcats.

Here's the current NAHL South Division Standings.

1. Amarillo           13 GP   9-3-1    19 PTS     54-38

2. Texas               13 GP   8-2-3    19 PTS     52-40

3. Wichita Falls    12 GP   8-2-2    18 PTS     43-34

4. Topeka             12 GP   7-3-2    16 PTS     39-31

5. Corpus Christi   12 GP   6-4-2   14 PTS     43-45

6. New Mexico     13 GP    4-7-2    10 PTS    32-58


South Division Notebook

Corpus Christi Icerays: The Icerays couldn't extend Friday's 2-1 overtime loss to Wichita Falls into a shootout, but if they had, Corpus Christi would have had the owned the edge. The Icerays success rate of 55.6 % (10 of 18) trails only Austin as the league's top shootout team.

New Mexico Mustangs: Eli Riddle scored his fifth goal of the season on Saturday in Saturday's loss to Texas. Only two NAHL Defensemen have scored more goals, and no blueliners have a better shooting percentage then his 31.3%.

Texas Tornado: After sweeping New Mexico, the Tornado is riding an NAHL Best 6 game winning streak and is tied for the Division lead. Sean Heidrick scored four goals in Friday's 8-2 win victory, and goalie Jimmy Kruger made 26 saves in Saturday's 3-1 outcome, boosting his record between the pipes to 5-0.

Topeka Roadrunners: Daniel Dupell scored a pair of goals in Saturday's 5-4 shootout loss to Amarillo, including his league leading second shorthanded tally of the year. Topeka killed off all 17 of the Bulls power plays over the weekend, bumping it's success rate to 91.1%, which ranks third in the league.

Wichita Falls Wildcats: Tyler Green (2.46 GAA, .921 SV%) has emerged as the team's #1 netminder, starting in five of the Wildcats six last outings. His record has improved to 5-1-2 after he stopped 17 of 18 shots in Wichita Falls' 2-1 OT Victory against the Icerays.


Here's the Links to the rest of the Division Reports.

North Division, North Stars help fight Breast Cancer

Central Division, Austin Bruins continue to fight on after a slow start.

West Division

NAHL South Division Report; Topeka Building another strong contender

With the top 4 teams in the NAHL's South Division all log jammed and separated by just a single point heading into this weekends games. The Roadrunners have a chance to go on top with a tough weekend road trip to Amarillo against the Bulls where the Roadrunners are looking to continue a strong road- trip with 2 huge wins over the Wichita Falls Wildcats with 6-1 and 5-3 wins last weekend in Northwest Texas.

Now the Roadrunners will be looking to shake up one of the league's best goaltenders in Nikifor Szczerba who has been in net for all seven victories for the Bulls this season.

For the Roadrunners, they have been the team that haven't been able to finish off a strong regular season after having a strong season last year where they finished the season tied with Wenatchee for the best overall record at 44-9-5. After dominating Springfield in the first round, they ran into their arch rival St. Louis Bandits who after a back-and-fourth series that got it tied at 2-2 after four games. St. Louis dominated the 5th and final game of the series where the Bandits won 5-0 to win the series and the South Division for the 4th straight year.

Now with St. Louis going to the East Division, it will be fighting off teams like the Texas Tornado, Amarillo Bulls and the Wichita Falls Wildcats for the South Division Title this season.

Through 10 games this season, the Roadrunners are looking to get away from the Gridlock that has the top 4 teams separated by just 1 point. In addition to the Topeka VS. Amarillo Weekend Series, you have the Tornado heading west to play the New Mexico Mustangs, finally it's a single game weekend as the Wichita Falls Wildcats plays a single game set with the Corpus Christi Icerays this weekend.

Can Topeka find a way to take control of the division, or can Texas, Wichita Falls or Amarillo find a way to break away from the current pack.

Here's the Current Division Standings. Plus links to the team Stats for the NAHL South Division.

1. Wichita Falls        11 GP     7-2-2    16 PTS      41-33

2. Amarillo                11 GP     7-3-1    15 PTS      45-32

3. Topeka                   10 GP     7-2-1    15 PTS      33-22

4. Texas                      11 GP     6-2-3    15 PTS      41-37

5. Corpus Christi       11 GP     6-4-1    13 PTS      42-43

6. New Mexico            11 GP    4-5-2     10 PTS      29-47


Here's the Team Stats for each of the Teams

Amarillo Bulls

Corpus Christi Icerays

New Mexico Mustangs

Texas Tornado

Topeka Roadrunners

Wichita Falls Wildcats



Here's a look at the rest of the Divisions.

West Division, Consistency key to Avalanche Success

Central Division, Additions Bolster the Express Attack

North Division, Springfield Rebound after shaky Start


Here's the NAHL South Division Report from Zach Duncan

As host of the 2011 NAHL Robertson Cup, the Topeka Roadrunners have assured of participating in the NAHL's Championship Tournament.

However, Topeka Roadrunners Head Coach Scott Langer said his squad doesn't discuss that fact.

Instead, the Roadrunners have their sights set on defending their South Division Regular Season Title they captured last year.

"Every night it's going to be a difficult game," Langer said. "Every team that wins the South Division has to win 40 plus games to do it, and that's a lot of hockey games."

Through almost one-fifth season, only six points separate the first place Wildcats from the last Place New Mexico Mustangs.

The Roadrunners (7-2-1 15 PTS) are currently one point shy of the Wildcats thanks to a two game sweep in Wichita Falls over the weekend.

Those victories came on the heels of a disappointing home opener the weekend before, but Langer said spent Topeka last week refocusing.

"We had to replace a lot of guys like we have every year," said Langer. "We have only seven guys back, so it's a matter baby steps and growing pains. That's what were seeing right now."

Michael Hill, who bagged a hat trick in Friday's 6-3 win, has stepped up his game since becoming the team's captain. Hill has scored a team best 17 games, and his five power play goals are second in the NAHL.

Defensemen Jacob Poe is another veteran who turned down a scholarship offer to Alabama-Huntsville because he felt he had unfinished business with the Roadrunners, who were eliminated in last year's South Division Final.

"That shows a lot about his character," said Langer, who recorded his 250th win with the Roadrunners Saturday (Langer has been their coach since the organization arrived from Santa Fe in 2004).

A couple Junior A Newcomers - forwards Justin Hussar (8 Points) and Kevin Novakovich (3 Goals) - are playing well, but Langer's said his squad's strength so far this season has been in net.

Holdover Eric Rohrkemper and Finland Native Rasmus Tirronen have combined for a 2.20 GAA and a .915 SV%.

Rohrkemper played 20 games with Topeka last season before emerging as the team's number 1 goalie in the playoffs. That experience is paying dividends.

"Having to grow up so quickly against a team like the St. Louis Bandits is not easy to do," Langer said. "It's such a competitive situation right now. Those guys are fighting for minutes."

And the Roadrunners, who haven't finished lower then second in the three years since relocating to Kansas, will be fighting for a South Division title - even if a Robertson Cup Spot is not on the line.


South Division Notebook

Amarillo Bulls: Despite two losses to the Tornado, the Bulls are still averaging 4.09 Goals per game, second highest in the league behind Fairbanks. Forward T.J. Sarcona has registered an assist in each of the last five games.

Corpus Christi Icerays: With a pair of shootout victories against New Mexico, Corpus Christi has bumped its record to 4-0 in shootouts this season. Five of the Icerays 11 games have been tied at the end of regulation. No team has played more OT/SO Games in the NAHL.

New Mexico Mustangs: Goaltender Brian Jones got some revenge on Thursday Night against the Wildcats, who traded him before the October 1 Roster Cuts. Jones made 36 saves and stopped all but one shootout attempt in the Mustangs 3-2 victory. He's 1-1-2 with a 2.83 GAA and a .908 SV% since joining New Mexico.

Texas Tornado: Ralfs Freibergs has six assists over the weekend, including 5 in Saturday's 8-4 win over Amarillo. Freibergs 15 points are the most among NAHL Defensemen, he also heads the league in assists with 14 and power play assists (8). The Tornado are currently riding a four game winning streak.

Wichita Falls Wildcats: Mikhail Sentyurin's three game streak of scoring a goal ended in Saturday's loss to Topeka. Mattia Bortolotto picked up an assists Friday in his second game with the team after being acquired by the WHL's Prince George Cougars.

Texas comesback to edge Amarillo 3-2

After a shaky start for the Tornado which allowed the Amarillo Bulls to make it 2-0 midway through the first period, the South Division Leaders were thinking they were on their way to an easy win. However, the Tornado responded well and started the comeback with a late goal by Jack Prince where that keeps his point scoring streak alive at 5 games with a late goal.

After that, it turned into mayhem as several fights got the Tornado going in the 2nd period where players on both sides got tossed and fired up the Tornado to take over the game after that.

In the 2nd period, they were a combined 18 penalties for 105 penalty minutes were called, a majority of them were called at 6:11 mark of the 2nd period where several fights broke out were numerous 5 minute majors, 10 minute and game misconduct's were called to players like Shawn Serapilia and Michael Erickson for the Bulls.

On the Tornado side, players like Michael Zagari, Erick Wilson and Joseph Mottiqua were called as it really changed the outlook of the game. In the end, the Tornado rallied around and scored the only goal of the period was scored by Rock Einersen which he scored his 11th of the year and is already approaching last year's total where he scored just 17 in 51 games last season.

Then midway through the 3rd period, the Tornado was complete when the Southwest duo of Taylor Hendron and Marc Biggs combined a goal a little over 8 minutes into the game to give the Tornado a 3-2 win and were able to figure out Amarillo goalie Nikifor Szczerba who last time the two teams played, edged the Tornado a 1-0 SO Loss the weekend after the NAHL Blaine Showcase.


Amarillo Bulls 2  Texas Tornado 3  (2-1, 0-1, 0-1)

Here's the Game Story from the Texas Tornado Website

From Frisco, Texas: The Texas Tornado scored the final three goals of the game, defeated the Amarillo Bulls 3-2 on Friday Night as Marc Biggs scored his first career goal, which turned out to be the game winner. The game did not start on the right foot for Texas, as the Amarillo forecheck forced the Tornado into retreat mode. Joe Kozlak scored first as he slipped rebound underneath starting goaltender Jimmy Kruger. The Bulls quickly made it 2-0 as Luke Jenkins scored his first goal of the season, as he slipped a shot through the legs of Kruger. The Tornado would respond later in the first period, as Jack Prince tipped home a point shot from Donald Olivieri on the power play to make 2-1 going into the first intermission.

The 2nd period was all Tornado thanks again to more power play. The NAHL's leading Scorer Rock Einersen would tie the game at 2-2 as he one timed a shot from the bottom of the circle to beat Amarillo Goalie Nikifor Szczerba over the glove. The rest of the period was highlighted by two breakaway saves by Kruger to keep the game tied. The 2nd period also saw a fight break out that lead to the ejection of Joseph Mottiqua and Evan Wilson for the Tornado.

The Tornado took the first lead of the night in the 3rd period, as Marc Biggs picked himself up and converted on the 3rd rebound chance to give the Tornado their first lead of the night at 3-2. Amarillo wouldn't get another good chance as more penalties sealed their fate. The win was the 3rd in a row for the Tornado, who maintained their spot in 3rd place in the South Division, now just 2 points behind of 2nd place Amarillo.

9/20-26 This Weeks Southwest Schedule

With the North American Hockey League Season getting underway last week and with things like NHL & AHL Preseason about to start up. Every Monday, I'm going to present a Southwest Schedule so you can see which teams in which leagues are in action so you can make your plans on games that fans may want to head up to. So far, the Stars are back from Prince Edward Island and will begin their regular practice schedule from the Dr. Pepper Starcenter in Frisco.

With the NAHL Blaine Showcase now over, the home schedule for the NAHL Teams get underway this week with everybody execpt the Corpus Christi Icerays starting the home schedule this week, for Corpus Christi, they first home game will be on October 1.

Here's this weeks home schedule. All Start Times are CDT.

NHL Preseason

9/21: VS. Tampa Bay Lightning 7:30 PM

9/24: VS. Colorado Avalanche 7:30 PM

9/25: VS. St. Louis Blues 7:00 PM


NAHL Schedule

9/24

Texas Tornado VS. Amarillo Bulls 7:00 PM

Fairbanks Ice Dogs VS. Wichita Falls Wildcats 7:05 PM

Corpus Christi Icerays VS. New Mexico Mustangs 8:30 PM


9/25

Amarillo Bulls VS. Wichita Falls Wildcats 7:05 PM

Fairbanks Ice Dogs VS. Texas Tornado 7:30 PM

Corpus Christi Icerays VS. New Mexico Mustangs 8:30 PM


9/26

Fairbanks Ice Dogs VS. Texas Tornado 5:00 PM

Corpus Christi Icerays VS. Amarillo Bulls 6:00 PM

Amarillo gets Edged by the Fresno Monsters

A back-and-fourth game that saw the Bulls lead the Fresno Monsters 3-1 midway through the game turned into 4-3 loss for the Bulls against the Monsters in the team's 2nd Game at the Blaine Showcase. Things were looking great as the Bulls were clicking well as goals by Smoot in the 1st period as well Johnson & Freeman in the 2nd period had the Monsters on the ropes, but the tide began to turn near the end of the 2nd with a power-play goal by Bjorklund with 35 seconds left made it 3-2.

The third was going well for the Bulls as they were able to stay out of the box and get some shots that were looking to put the game away. But the Monsters were potent as they scored on 2 goals on just 3 shots late in the 3rd to give the Monsters their first victory in the North American Hockey League.

Next up for the Bulls who are currently 1-1 at the Showcase is a late one as they will get the Pt. Huron Fighting Falcons at 8:00 PM tonight.

Press Release from the Amarillo Bulls Website

Amarillo Bulls 3 Fresno Monsters 4 (1-0, 2-2, 0-2)

From Blaine, Minnesota: The Amarillo Bulls surrendered two goals in the final five minutes of the game, and dropped a 4-3 decision to the Fresno Monsters in the 2nd game of the North American Hockey League Showcase on Thursday Night in Blaine, Minnesota.

The Bulls dropped to 1-1 and will look for their second win on Friday Night when they face the Pt. Huron Fighting Falcons at 8:00 PM.

Amarillo had a 3-2 advantage lead entering the third period of play and couldn't score on a 5-on-3 that could have extended the advantage. Fresno scored back-to-back goals just over 4 minutes and 30 seconds apart to take the lead. The Bulls pulled their goaltender in the final minute but failed to get the equalizer.

In the opening period, the Bulls notched the first goal when Smoot followed up a loose rebound and put it in the back of the net at the 7:07 mark. Joe Kozlak and Mitch Rogge added assists on the play.

The Fresno Monsters had their best opportunity to score on a breakaway but their forward was denied by goaltender Greg Lewis.

After the Monsters tied the game early in the 2nd period, the Bulls took over, scoring two goals in just 29 seconds apart.

First, newcomer Terrance Johnson, who was added to the roster late last night, scored on assists from Steven Oberzanick and Chris Cass. Cody Freemen made it a 3-1 contest when he scored unassisted. Fresno added a goal on the power play to make it 3-2.

The Fresno Monsters out-shot the Amarillo Bulls 26-23, including 15-5 in the 2nd period. The Bulls had the shot advantage in both the first and third periods. Amarillo was 0/8 on the powerplay while the Monsters were 1/4.

The Amarillo Bulls take on the Pt. Huron Fighting Falcons on Friday Night at 8:00 PM in their third game of the Showcase. Fans can tune into the action at ESPN 1440 AM beginning with the pre game show at 7:45 PM. The game is also available on Pay-Per-View courtesy of Fast Hockey, but a high speed Internet connection is required to view the contest.

In just over a week the Amarillo Bulls will play their home opener against the Texas Tornado at 7:00 PM at the Bull Pen at the Amarillo Civic Center. Season Tickets, Flex Packages and single game tickets are currently available and for further info. call 806-242-1122 or visit the Amarillo Bulls Website

NAHL Blaine Showcase Scoreboard, Day 1

Here's a look at the scores from Day 1 at the NAHL Blaine Showcase up in the Twin Cities. For the Southwest Teams, it's been a mixed bag so far as Amarillo & Wichita Falls have beaten Michigan & Chicago today, while the New Mexico Mustangs got blasted by the Janesville Jets and the Corpus Christi Icerays had a fustrating day against Traverse City in a 1-0 loss.

Currently the Texas Tornado are on the ice in their season opener against the Motor City Metal Jackets. Other action tonight involves the Topeka Roadrunners VS. Alexandria Blizzard & the Owatonna Express VS. Wenatchee Wild.

Look for the last 3 games late tonight to see the links to the Boxscores.

Alaska Avalanche 8 Aberdeen Wings 5 (2-0, 2-2, 4-3)

Corpus Christi Icerays 0 Traverse City North Stars 1 (0-1, 0-0, 0-0)

Michigan Warriors 3 Amarillo Bulls 4 (1-2, 2-1, 0-1)

Fairbanks Ice Dogs 3 Austin Bruins 4 (SO) (0-2, 1-1, 2-0, 0-0, 0-1)

Bismarck Bobcats 7 Fresno Monsters 2 (6-0, 0-1, 1-1)

Pt. Huron Fighting Falcons 2 Coulee Region Chill 5 (0-2, 0-2, 2-1)

Wichita Falls Wildcats 8 Chicago Hitmen 1 (2-0, 3-0, 3-1)

St. Louis Bandits 3 Dawson Creek Rage 0 (0-0, 0-0, 3-0)

New Mexico Mustangs 0 Janesville Jets 7 (0-3, 0-4, 0-0)

Springfield Jr. Blues 1 Kenai River Brown Bears 4 (0-0, 0-1, 1-3)

Owatonna Express 3 Wenatchee Wild 5 (0-0, 0-3, 3-2)

Topeka Roadrunners 6 Alexandria Blizzard 4 (4-0, 1-3, 1-1)

Texas Tornado 4 Motor City Metal Jackets 5 (OT) (1-2, 3-0, 0-2, 0-1)

Day 1 Recap


Here's a look at tomorrow's schedule.

Coulee Region Chill VS. St. Louis Bandits 10:00 AM

Bismarck Bobcats VS. Springfield Jr. Blues 10:15 AM

Chicago Hitmen VS. Corpus Christi Icerays 10:30 AM

Janesville Jets VS. Alaska Avalanche 1:15 PM

Motor City Metal Jackets VS. Topeka Roadrunners 1:30 PM

Traverse City North Stars VS. Austin Bruins 1:45 PM

Wenatchee Wild VS. Wichita Falls Wildcats 2:30 PM

Pt. Huron Fighting Falcons VS. Owatonna Express 4:30 PM

Dawson Creek Rage VS. Alexandria Blizzard 4:45 PM

Kenai River Brown Bears VS. Texas Tornado 5:00 PM

Aberdeen Wings VS. Michigan Warriors 7:45 PM

New Mexico Mustangs VS. Fairbanks Ice Dogs 8:00 PM

Amarillo Bulls VS. Fresno Monsters 8:15 PM

Amarillo edges the Michigan Warriors to win Showcase Opener

It was one of the first true back-and-fourth games at the 8th annual NAHL Blane Showcase in Blaine, Minnesota. But the both the Bulls & Warriors were looking for a strong introduction into the North American Hockey League, after going up 2-0 in the first 11 minutes, the Michigan Warriors responded with goals late in the first and in the opening minute of the 2nd period to tie at 2-2.

After that, it looked like the Michigan Warriors were going to open it up as the Warriors pulled 22 shots on goal in the 2nd period, Mac Height came up big with 21 of 22 saves in the 2nd period. That helped Chris Cass score with 8 minutes left to regain a 3-2 lead.

After going into the 2nd intermission tied at 3-3 after a late goal for Michigan late in the 2nd, both teams played very cautiously in the 3rd period looking not to give up a possible late winner, however it came to Joe Kozlak who scored his 2nd point of the game to give the Bulls a 4-3 win to win the team's first ever game.

It's only one game, but hopefully this can be something that can springboard to big time success this week in Minnesota. They have proven that they have a strong special teams by scoring twice on the PP and killing off some critical penalties.

Michigan Warriors 3 Amarillo Bulls 4 (1-2, 2-1, 0-1)

Press Release from the Amarillo Bulls Website

From Blaine, Minnesota: What a way to start the season for the Amarillo Bulls.

Joe Kozlak jammed home the game winning goal with under 8 minutes remaining in regulation time to lift the Amarillo Bulls past the Michigan Warriors 4-3 in the opening game of the North American Hockey League Showcase, here on Wednesday Morning.

Kozlak's goal was the lone goal in the final 20 minutes as he took a feed from Mitch Rogge and dashed into the Michigan Zone. Luke Jenkins added an assist on the goal. It was an exciting game as both teams skated hard for the entire 60 minutes. Four of the seven goals were scored on the power play. Goaltender Nikifor Szczerba was solid in goal for the Bulls, making 34 saves and keeping Michigan off the board in the final period.

The Bulls penalty killing was put to the test, especially in the third period, killing off a 5-on-3 and later a 5-on-4 in the final two minutes.

The Bulls opened the scoring at the 2:07 mark of the opening period when John Rey fired a loose rebound into the Warriors Net. Dan Sherer and Ryan Taylor earned assists on the goal.

The Bulls made it 2-0 on the power play with Derek Hills wired a slapshot threw a screen from Steven Oberzanik and Joe Kozlak.

The Warriors would battle back to tie the game 2-2 with a goal late in the first period and another to open the 2nd. Amarillo regained the lead when a Derek Hills point shot was tipped by Chris Cass. Cody Freeman had the other assists on the goal. Michigan tied the game again 3-3 with a goal in the final five minutes.

The Michigan Warriors out-shot the Amarillo Bulls 37-23. There were a total of 17 power plays with each team scoring twice.

The Amarillo Bulls return to action in the 2nd day of the NAHL Showcase, when they face the Fresno Monsters. Fans can tune into all the action on ESPN 1440 AM beginning with the pregame show at 8:00 PM. The Face off is at 8:15 PM. The game is also available on pay-per-view courtesy of Fast Hockey; a high speed Internet connection is required in order to watch it.

It's less then two weeks till the home opener of the Amarillo Bulls on Friday, September 24, when they face off against the Texas Tornado at 7:00 PM at the Bull Pen in the Amarillo Civic Center. Season tickets, flex packages and single game tickets are available. For further info, visit www.amarillobulls.com or call the box-office at 806-242-1122.

Twitter Updates during NAHL Blaine Showcase

Be sure to look for my twitter page starting today through Saturday as the North American Hockey League (NAHL) will kick off the season opening Blaine Showcase up at the Schwan Super Rink today. Schwan Super Rink is one of the biggest public rinks in the country boasting of 8 ice rinks, numerous practice facilities and workout areas for teams and players of all sizes and ability levels.

The Showcase gets going in a little over an hour with the Alaska Avalanche taking on the expansion Aberdeen Wings at 10:00 AM. As for Southwest Teams, the Amarillo Bulls will hit the ice at 10:30 AM against the Michigan Warriors. Also the Corpus Christi Icerays will get underway this morning at 10:15 AM against the North Division Champion Traverse City North Stars as they look to defend the Division Championship and get back to the Robertson Cup Tournament this year in Topeka, Kansas.

For full schedule and stats updates, check out the NAHL Page on Pointstreak and look for game summaries of the 5 Southwest Teams going on throughout the Showcase Event. This is not just to open the season but a chance for the players to play in front of NCAA & Professional Scouts as they get looked at throughout the season.

For the latest News, check out the NAHL Showcase Website

To check out the latest Scores & Stats Updates, click Here

Check out the venue for the Showcase, the Schwan's Super Rink

My Twitter Page

Southwest Team Websites

Amarillo Bulls

Corpus Christi Icerays

New Mexico Mustangs

Texas Tornado

Wichita Falls Wildcats



Southwest Teams Schedule for this Week. To see the full schedules, click on the Dates.

9/15

Corpus Christi Icerays VS. Traverse City North Stars 10:15 AM

Michigan Warriors VS. Amarillo Bulls 10:30 AM

Wichita Falls Wildcats VS. Chicago Hitmen 1:45 PM

New Mexico Mustangs VS. Janesville Jets 4:45 PM

Texas Tornado VS. Motor City Metal Jackets 8:15 PM


9/16

Chicago Hitmen VS. Corpus Christi Icerays 10:30 AM

Wenatchee Wild VS. Wichita Falls Wildcats 2:30 PM

Kenai River Brown Bears VS. Texas Tornado 5:00 PM

New Mexico Mustangs VS. Fairbanks Ice Dogs 8:00 PM

Amarillo Bulls VS. Fresno Monsters 8:15 PM


9/17

Owatonna Express VS. Corpus Christi Icerays 10:30 AM

Wichita Falls Wildcats VS. Bismarck Bobcats 1:15 PM

Texas Tornado VS. Coluee Region Chill 1:45 PM

Springfield Jr. Blues VS. New Mexico Mustangs 5:00 PM

Amarillo Bulls VS. Pt. Huron Fighting Falcons 8:00 PM


9/18

Aberdeen Wings VS. Wichita Falls Wildcats 9:00 AM

Austin Bruins VS. Texas Tornado 9:15 AM

St. Louis Bandits VS. Amarillo Bulls 9:45 PM

Alexandria Blizzard VS. New Mexico Mustangs 12:15 PM

Corpus Christi Icerays VS. Dawson Creek Rage 3:45 PM

Watch the NAHL Blaine Showcase on Fast Hockey

After the last several years on B2TV, the NAHL are changing their Internet broadcast service to Fast Hockey and they will be making their debut tomorrow when the NAHL Blaine Showcase in Minnesota gets underway. You can watch every game live and can get them on Demand as well if you can't watch them live.

It all starts tomorrow morning as the Alaska Avalanche will open the showcase against the Aberdeen Wings, as for Southwest Teams kicking off their Showcase action, that will be the Corpus Christi Icerays facing off against the defending North Division Champion Traverse City North Stars.

Other games tomorrow include the Amarillo Bulls against the Michigan Warriors, Wichita Falls who goes up against Chicago who had a rough opening weekend last weekend losing all 3 games against Traverse City & a pair against the Janesville Jets. Later in the day it will be the New Mexico Mustangs and the Janesville Jets, then the Texas Tornado will wrap up the first day with a game against the emerging Motor City Metal Jackets.

To get the info on what you need to get on board and watch the North American Hockey League all season long, here's a Press Release on what you need to know to be on board this season.

In addition to the North American Hockey League, you can use your credits that you gain to help follow other leagues and events that Fast Hockey Broadcasts during the season which includes several international events including the World Jr. A Challenge, 4 & 5 Nations Cups amongst others.

In addition to the NAHL Blaine Showcase, Fast Hockey will also show the North American Prospects Hockey League Futures Showcase which will be from September 16-19. With some of these teams affiliated with the NAHL Teams, some are looking to maybe get a call up with a NAHL Team like Mico Solarizo had for a few games last year with the Texas Tornado and is expected to be on the team full time this season.

NAHL on Fast Hockey

North American Hockey League Blaine Showcase

To Log in, Click Here

It was also announced that Mark Messier will be at the Showcase Event to help introduce his new helmet that he helped produce along with league Commissioner Mark Frankfeld and the project lead by Mary-Kay Messier. He will also do a ceremonial faceoff tomorrow at 10:30 AM at the kickoff of the Michigan Warriors VS. Amarillo Bulls Game.

The new helmet called the "M11" will be joining over 250 associations which brings head protection to the next level to prevent and lower the impact of concussions and head injuries to players all over the world. He will also be available to the Media for questions at several times throughout the day to ask questions and get reaction about the new helmets starting at just after 11:00 AM.

To Learn More about the new helmets, click on the following links.

Mark Messier at NAHL Blaine Showcase

The Messier Project


Here's the Southwest Schedule at the NAHL Blaine Showcase. To see the Full Schedule, click on the date.

9/15

Corpus Christi Icerays VS. Traverse City North Stars 10:15 AM

Michigan Warriors VS. Amarillo Bulls 10:30 AM

Wichita Falls Wildcats VS. Chicago Hitmen 1:45 PM

New Mexico Mustangs VS. Janesville Jets 4:45 PM

Texas Tornado VS. Motor City Metal Jackets 8:15 PM


9/16

Chicago Hitmen VS. Corpus Christi Icerays 10:30 AM

Wenatchee Wild VS. Wichita Falls Wildcats 2:30 PM

Kenai River Brown Bears VS. Texas Tornado 5:00 PM

New Mexico Mustangs VS. Fairbanks Ice Dogs 8:00 PM

Amarillo Bulls VS. Fresno Monsters 8:15 PM


9/17

Owatonna Express VS. Corpus Christi Icerays 10:30 AM

Wichita Falls Wildcats VS. Bismarck Bobcats 1:15 PM

Texas Tornado VS. Coluee Region Chill 1:45 PM

Springfield Jr. Blues VS. New Mexico Mustangs 5:00 PM

Amarillo Bulls VS. Pt. Huron Fighting Falcons 8:00 PM


9/18

Aberdeen Wings VS. Wichita Falls Wildcats 9:00 AM

Austin Bruins (MN) VS. Texas Tornado 9:15 AM

St. Louis Bandits VS. Amarillo Bulls 9:45 AM

Alexandria Blizzard VS. New Mexico Mustangs 12:15 PM

Corpus Christi Icerays VS. Dawson Creek Rage 3:45 PM

Still time to answer the Poll Questions

Theirs still a few days left to answer both of my poll questions as we get close to the start of the NAHL Season and the Dallas Stars Training Camp.

On the North American Hockey League (NAHL), it's about expansion teams as 3 new teams from Amarillo, Corpus Christi & Albuquerque all joining the league this year after long stints in the Central Hockey League.

So, which NAHL South Division Expansion Team will have the best season?

Amarillo Bulls

Corpus Christi Icerays

New Mexico Mustangs


As for the Dallas Stars ownership situation, not much has changed in terms of any of the main guys getting close. It's a battle of the 2 Western Canadian Billionaires who are both involved in the Western Hockey League (WHL) as Bill Gallacher of the Portland Winterhawks & Tom Galgardi of the Kamloops Blazers who have interest.

Also I have as a possible wild card is Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban with how close he came to getting the Texas Rangers, don't be surprised to hear him as a possible wild card. And I think he would be a much needed boost to the National Hockey League with his style of ownership and how forward thinking he's been since he's been the owner of the Mavericks.

So who do you want to own the Dallas Stars?

Bill Gallacher (Portland Winterhawks Owner)

Tom Galgardi (Kamloops Blazers Owner)

Mark Cuban

Somebody Else


Be sure to post your comments as well either on here or on my twitter page at http://twitter.com/tanman9

2010-2011 NAHL Rosters

All 26 teams in the North American Hockey League has revelled their 25 man rosters as the league will be getting ready for the regular season which gets underway on September 15 with the NAHL Blaine Showcase starting up the season.

As for the Southwest Teams, surprisingly, neither the New Mexico Mustangs, Wichita Falls Wildcats or Amarillo Bulls had no Southwest Based players as they looking for talent and I would expect to work the DFW Metroplex in future years as the teams start to get more developed and gets more well known throughout the season.

In all 16 players from the Southwest made NAHL Rosters including 3 they found at the DFW Prospects Camp the team had in July. Also having multiple members include Tom Rizzardo and Nicholas Miglio who are joining the defending NAHL Robertson Cup Champion Bismarck Bobcats as well.

As for the Texas Tornado, they will have the only Oklahoma kid in the league in Tyler Herndon and Axel Boyer who is making his return for the Tornado this season and Sean Heidrick and Jake Stafford who were both with the Texas Tornado AAA Team last year along with Mico Solorzano who started last season with the Texas Tornado Midget Major Team, but made history as the first player from the newly created North American Prospects Hockey League to be called up to a Junior Team last season.

Topeka has most of their Texas guys back this year with defensemen Jacob Poe and Cory Ramsey, as well as Mason Milner who's joining the team. Two of the biggest weapons from last in NAHL Scoring Champions & Player of the Year Erik Higby who's heading to Northern Michigan University and the possibly of Michael Hill of making the Waterloo Blackhawks (USHL).

Some other Southwest Players making their NAHL Debut will be Frederick Leisner who's part of the expansion Aberdeen Wings and Joe Purull who's heading to the Springfield Jr. Blues.

This is a decent number, but with the number of high level talent getting into the USHL. This number is growing as well and the definition of success are big time honors, players looking to help be a part of a title contender and players looking to play in the NCAA Division 1 Level. 6 teams currently have Southwest Players and with Corpus Christi, Amarillo & New Mexico joining the league this year.

Hopefully we can see this number skyrocket as the competition should take a jump for roster spots in both the North American Hockey League (NAHL), the United States Hockey League (USHL) and the different Canadian Jr. A Leagues as Austin Smith played in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) and Nick Lazorko who's heading to Castleton State College in Vermont which is a Division 3 School in the ECAC East Division.

Here's the Rosters for the Southwest Teams in the NAHL. In addition, I will provide links to player profiles for the Southwest based players playing throughout the league. Even though the number is at 25 for all 26 teams, each team will have to cut 2 more players by October 1, and the place to show that you are worthy of being a strong player will be at the NAHL Blaine Showcase which will get underway on September 15 in Blaine, Minnesota. I will post the cuts for the teams when they come in which are expected to happen just before the deadline on October 1.

As you would expect, a majority of the players are from the DFW Area as 11 of the 16 players are from the different parts of the DFW Area. However, you have Kyle Hughes who's from Round Rock which is one of Austin's biggest surburbs. In addition Alex Rosado from Cypress which is in the Western part of the Houston area.

As well as 2 Oklahoma based players as Tyler Herndon is from Oklahoma City and Kyle Sharkley who's from Moore which is also part of the Oklahoma City Area.

Here's the Rosters for the 5 Southwest Teams.

Amarillo Bulls

Corpus Christi Icerays

New Mexico Mustangs

Texas Tornado

Wichita Falls Wildcats


All 26 Team Rosters Linked up here


Here's the Ind. Players who made NAHL Rosters throughout the League this season.

Aberdeen Wings

G, Frederick Leisner (Garland, TX.)


Bismarck Bobcats

D, Tom Rizzardo (Highland Village, TX)

F, Nicholas Miglio (Boerne, TX)


Corpus Christi Icerays

F, Derrek Schartz (Plano, TX)

D, Kyle Hughes (Round Rock, TX)

F, Alex Rosado (Cypress, TX)


Springfield Jr. Blues

F, Joe Purull (Dallas, TX)


Texas Tornado

F, Axel Boyer (Keller, TX)

F, Sean Heidrick (Plano, TX)

F, Taylor Herndon (Oklahoma City, OK.)

G, Jake Stafford (Frisco, TX)


Topeka Roadrunners

D, Jacob Poe (Arlington, TX)

F, Michael Hill (Ft. Worth, TX)

D, Mason Miller (Grand Prairie, TX)

D, Cory Ramsey (Colleyville, TX)

F, Kyle Sharkley (Moore, OK)


Blaine Showcase Schedule, all games are the Schwan Super Rink in Blaine, Minnesota. To see the full schedule for each day, click the Date Links.

9/15

Corpus Christi Icerays VS. Traverse City North Stars 10:15 AM

Michigan Warriors VS. Amarillo Bulls 10:30 AM

Wichita Falls Wildcats VS. Chicago Hitmen 1:45 PM

New Mexico Mustangs VS. Janesville Jets 4:45 PM

Texas Tornado VS. Motor City Metal Jackets 8:15 PM


9/16

Chicago Hitmen VS. Corpus Christi Icerays 10:30 AM

Wenatchee Wild VS. Wichita Falls Wildcats 2:30 PM

Kenai River Brown Bears VS. Texas Tornado 5:00 PM

New Mexico Mustangs VS. Fairbanks Ice Dogs 8:00 PM

Amarillo Bulls VS. Fresno Monsters 8:15 PM


9/17

Owatonna Express VS. Corpus Christi Icerays 10:30 AM

Wichita Falls Wildcats VS. Bismarck Bobcats 1:15 PM

Texas Tornado VS. Coluee Region Chill 1:45 PM

Springfield Jr. Blues VS. New Mexico Mustangs 5:00 PM

Amarillo Bulls VS. Pt. Huron Fighting Falcons 8:00 PM


9/18

Aberdeen Wings VS. Wichita Falls Wildcats 9:00 AM

Austin (MN) Bruins VS. Texas Tornado 9:15 AM

St. Louis Bandits VS. Amarillo Bulls 9:45 PM

Alexandria Blizzard VS. New Mexico Mustangs 12:15 PM

Corpus Christi Icerays VS. Dawson Creek Rage 3:45 PM

New Poll Question: NAHL Expansion Teams

With 3 new Junior Teams entering the North American Hockey League in Amarillo & Corpus Christi in Texas. Along with the New Mexico Mustangs as well, the poll question I just posted is a very simple one.

Which NAHL Expansion Team will have the Best Season?

Amarillo Bulls

Corpus Christi Icerays

New Mexico Mustangs

Be sure to vote on the Poll Question as well as post comments here or on my Twitter Page at http://twitter.com/tanman9

Amarillo Bulls Media Notes

As the Amarillo Bulls get ready for their first Junior Season to start next month. Some interesting media notes have emerged about the team's broadcasting rights, a couple of newspaper reports and a recent TV Feature as the team will start their training camp from August 25-31 to officially start finalizing their roster for the NAHL Blane Showcase which will kick off the team's season on September 15 against the Michigan Warriors.

In addition to the Newspaper & Television Reports, the Amarillo Bulls have also announced the ESPN Afflaite in Amarillo will have games on the radio next season. The Radio deal is the most important feature in all this because they getting a chance to have every single game live. And to make it easier for fans to find out about them on a regular basis during the season and that is extremly important that the Amarillo Gorillas had problems doing in their time in the Central Hockey League.

Perhaps the most exciting deal that was struck was last week with the Cumulus Media and ESPN 1440 in Amarillo as the station will broadcast all 58 games during the regular season (Home, Away & Blane Showcase). The games will have a 15 Minute Pregame show to get ready for the game. Then afterwards, a half hour post game show where you can catch up on game highlights, get scores from all over the NAHL plus scores from other NAHL Games and the NHL as well.

Also every Monday Night from 6 PM to 7 PM they will be an hour show where they will interview players and coaching staff members that will be hosted by Denis Puska who's also the Teams Media Relations Head. This show will mostly be at the ESPN 1440 Studios, but on some nights they will head out to Restaurants as fans can view the show and even call in and ask questions.

In addition to the Michigan Warriors, Other opponents that week will be the Fresno Monsters, Pt. Huron Fighting Falcons and the St. Louis Bandits before the team's home opener on September 24 against the Texas Tornado. That's just the beginning of a very busy week that will see them travel to play the Wichita Falls Wildcats on 9/25 and the Corpus Christi Icerays back at home on 9/26 which will get them to know their South Division Bunkmates very early in the season.

No word on when the Training Camp Roster will be coming out as the team will get ready for their first season at the Amarillo Civic Center. Be sure to find the Training Camp Rosters of the Amarillo Bulls as well as the New Mexico Mustangs, Corpus Christi Icerays and the Texas Tornado when they become available.

Here's the Amarillo Bulls Media Links

Amarillo Bulls on KAMR-TV

Amarillo Bulls in the Amarillo Globe Newspaper

Amarillo Bulls on ESPN 1440

Amarillo Bulls Website

NAHL Blane Showcase Schedule

Here's a look at the NAHL Showcase Schedule as many of the league's 26 teams will open the season in Blane, Minnesota which is part of the Twin Cities area which is a part of the NAHL's Blane Showcase. This event will get many players exposed to NCAA & Professional Scouts during the 4 day event where all 26 teams will play 4 games against teams outside of their division.

For the Texas Tornado, 2 games will be played against Central Division Teams against the Coluee Region Chill and Austin Bruins. Plus Games against the West & North Divisions as the Tornado will play against the Motor City Metal Jackets and Kenai River Brown Bears as well in the early part of the showcase.

Wichita Falls will start the weekend before with a weekend series in New Mexico against the Mustangs. After those 2 games will be matches against Chicago, Wenatchee, the defending Champion Bismarck Bobcats and will wrap up the showcase by playing first game of the day on Saturday against the expansion Aberdeen Wings.

After hosting the Wichita Falls Wildcats, the New Mexico Mustangs open the showcase against the Janesville Jets and Fairbanks Ice Dogs before wrapping it up with with games against the Springfield Jr. Blues & Alexandira Blizzard.

Amarillo got a bunch of the league's new teams as they will faceoff against first year franchises in the Fresno Monsters and Pt. Huron Fighting Falcons. Prior to those games it's a matchup against the Michigan Warriors to open up Showcase and will wrap it up on Saturday against League Powerhouse St. Louis Bandits.

Look for more details on this event as we draw closer to the start of the regular season in Mid September.

Here's a look at the NAHL Showcase Schedule which will be in Blane, Minnesota. All Games are at the Blane Super Rink and start Times are CDT.

Teams in Colors are the Colors of the Logos.

September 15

Alaska Avalanche VS. Aberdeen Wings 10:00 AM

Corpus Christi Icerays VS. Traverse City North Stars 10:15 AM

Fairbanks Ice Dogs VS. Austin Bruins 10:30 AM

Michigan Warriors VS. Amarillo Bulls 1:15 PM

Bismarck Bobcats VS. Fresno Monsters 1:30 PM

Wichita Falls Wildcats VS. Chicago Hitmen 1:45 PM

Pt. Huron Fighting Falcons VS. Coluee Region Chill 2:30 PM

St. Louis Bandits VS. Dawson Creek Rage 4:30 PM

New Mexico Mustangs VS. Janesville Jets 4:45 PM

Springfield Jr. Blues VS. Kenai River Brown Bears 5:00 PM

Owatonna Express VS. Wenatchee Wild 7:45 PM

Topeka Roadrunners VS. Alexandria Blizzard 8:00 PM

Texas Tornado VS. Motor City Metal Jackets 8:15 PM


September 16

Coluee Region Chill VS. St. Louis Bandits 10:00 AM

Bismarck Bobcats VS. Springfield Jr. Blues 10:15 AM

Chicago Hitmen VS. Corpus Christi Icerays 10:30 AM

Janesville Jets VS. Alaska Avalanche 1:15 PM

Motor City Metal Jackets VS. Topeka Roadrunners 1:30 PM

Traverse City North Stars VS. Austin Bruins 1:45 PM

Amarillo Bulls VS. Fresno Monsters 2:30 PM

Pt. Huron Fighting Falcons VS. Owatonna Express 4:30 PM

Dawson Creek Rage VS. Alexandria Blizzard 4:45 PM

Kenai River Brown Bears VS. Texas Tornado 5:00 PM

Aberdeen Wings VS. Michigan Warriors 7:45 PM

New Mexico Mustangs VS. Fairbanks Ice Dogs 8:00 PM

Wenatchee Wild VS. Wichita Falls Wildcats 8:15 PM


September 17

Topeka Roadrunners VS. Alaska Avalanche 10:00 AM

Springfield Jr. Blues VS. New Mexico Mustangs 10:15 AM

Kenai River Brown Bears VS. Michigan Warriors 10:30 AM

Wichita Falls Wildcats VS. Bismarck Bobcats 1:15 PM

Alexandria Blizzard VS. Chicago Hitmen 1:30 PM

Texas Tornado VS. Coulee Region Chill 1:45 PM

Fairbanks Ice Dogs VS. Aberdeen Wings 2:30 PM

Traverse City North Stars VS. Wenatchee Wild 4:30 PM

Owatonna Express VS. Corpus Christi Icerays 4:45 PM

Austin Bruins VS. Janesville Jets 5:00 PM

Fresno Monsters VS. St. Louis Bandits 7:45 PM

Amarillo Bulls VS. Pt. Huron Fighting Falcons 8:00 PM

Dawson Creek Rage VS. Motor City Metal Jackets 8:15 PM


September 18

Aberdeen Wings VS. Wichita Falls Wildcats 9:00 AM

Austin Bruins VS. Texas Tornado 9:15 AM

Michigan Warriors VS. Owatonna Express 9:30 AM

Motor City Metal Jackets VS. Bismarck Bobcats 9:45 AM

St. Louis Bandits VS. Amarillo Bulls 12:15 PM

Janesville Jets VS. Topeka Roadrunners 12:30 PM

Wenatchee Wild VS. Pt. Huron Fighting Falcons 12:45 PM

Alaska Avalanche VS. Traverse City North Stars 1:00 PM

Alexandria Blizzard VS. New Mexico Mustangs 3:30 PM

Chicago Hitmen VS. Fairbanks Ice Dogs 3:45 PM

Fresno Monsters VS. Springfield Jr. Blues 4:00 PM

Coulee Region Chill VS. Kenai River Brown Bears 4:15 PM

Corpus Christi Icerays VS. Dawson Creek Rage 6:45 PM

2010-2011 NAHL Schedule Released

The Regular Season Schedule for the North American Hockey League was announced back on July 10 with the NAHL Regular Season starting on September 10 and ending on March 27 this season.

For the 5 Southwest Teams, the Texas Tornado, Amarillo Bulls and Corpus Christi Icerays will get their season's going at the NAHL's Blane Showcase which is the Leagues Showcase Event for players to play in front of NCAA & Professional Scouting Staffs which will be from September 15-18 in Blane, Minnesota.

Before that though, 2 of the new teams will play on the league's opening weekend as the New Mexico Mustangs will host the Wichita Falls Wildcats from the Santa Ana Star Center on September 10 and 11 to kick off the season and to help open the era for the expansion franchise from Rio Rancho, New Mexico.

As for the opponents at the Blane Showcase, here's the list of who the Southwest Teams will be playing from September 15-18. In addition to the Blane Showcase, I will also show the home opener's for all 5 Southwest Teams.

With the Pt. Huron Fighting Hawks now completing what was a very busy period of expansion and relocation to the NAHL. Here's a look at how the Divisional Alignment for 2010-2011 with the Central, South and West each having 6 teams. While the North Division will have 8.

Central Division
Aberdeen Wings
Alexandria Blizzard
Austin Bruins
Bismarck Bobcats
Coulee Region Chill
Owatonna Express


North Division
Chicago Hitmen
Janesville Jets
Michigan Warriors
Motor City Metal Jackets
Pt. Huron Fighting Falcons
St. Louis Bandits
Springfield Jr. Blues
Traverse City North Stars


South Division
Amarillo Bulls
Corpus Christi Icerays
New Mexico Mustangs
Texas Tornado
Topeka Roadrunners
Wichita Falls Wildcats


West Division
Alaska Avalanche
Dawson Creek Rage
Fairbanks Ice Dogs
Fresno Monsters
Keani River Brown Bears
Wenatchee Wild

Here's a breakdown of the teams by state/Provence

4: Michigan, Texas

3: Alaska, Minnesota

2: Illinois, Wisconsin

1: British Columbia, California, Kansas, Missouri, North Dakota, New Mexico, South Dakota, Washington State,


Full League Schedule: www.nahl.com/schedule/index.cfm

Amarillo Bulls

9/15: VS. Michigan Warriors

9/16: VS. Fresno Monsters

9/17: Pt. Huron Fighting Falcons

9/18: St. Louis Bandits

9/24 (Home Opener): VS. Texas Tornado

Full Amarillo Bulls Schedule:


Corpus Christi Icerays

9/15: Traverse City North Stars

9/16: Chicago Hitmen

9/17: Owatonna Express

9/18: Dawson Creek Rage

10/1 (Home Opener): VS. Wichita Falls Wildcats

Full Corpus Christi Icerays Schedule:


New Mexico Mustangs

9/15: Janesville Jets

9/16: Fairbanks Ice Dogs

9/17: Springfield Jr. Blues

9/18: Alexandria Blizzard

9/10 (Home Opener): Wichita Falls Wildcats

Full New Mexico Mustangs Schedule


Texas Tornado

9/15: Motor City Metal Jackets

9/16: Kenai River Brown Bears

9/17: Coulee Region Chill

9/18: Austin Bruins

9/25 (Home Opener): Fairbanks Ice Dogs

Full Texas Tornado Schedule


Wichita Falls Wildcats

9/15: Chicago Hitmen

9/16: Wenatchee Wild

9/17: Bismarck Bobcats

9/18: Aberdeen Wings

9/24 (Home Opener): Fairbanks Ice Dogs

Full Wichita Falls Wildcats Schedule:

Some of the other big events to look forward to is the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament which is usually in late January/early February which is usually held at the Ann Arbor Ice Cube which is home to the USNTDP. Also for the playoffs which usually starts on the first weekend in April with the NAHL Robertson Cup Championship Tournament which is in Topeka, Kansas.

The NAHL Robertson Cup Tournament will also have a new format this year. It will be back down to 4 teams as the 2 Division Champions with the fewest points during the regular season will play a best of 3 play in to determine who will be the final spot in the Robertson Cup Tournament next year.

Also after the Round Robin ends, the top team goes the championship automatically while the 2nd & 3rd place teams will play a single game semifinal to determine the 2nd spot in the final while the 4th place team is eliminated from the tournament.

Here's a full look at the league's playoff format

Amarillo NAHL Team to be called the Bulls!

After a contest and a search among Amarillo residents over the last couple of months. The team Owner and coaching staff lead by new coach Dennis Williams was on hand to announce the name of the team which will be called the Amarillo Bulls.

The colors will be red, yellow and blue that will start their first season in Mid-September and this should complete the full divisional alignment if the NAHL would ever make it official as the league will have 25 teams with 3 divisions of 6 and 1 of 7.

Also expect the Schedule to be coming out soon as the OHL & QMJHL as well as several of the Canadian Jr. A Leagues including the BCHL have done so.

Look for more info on things like the league schedule and possible tryouts and prospect camps as the off-season goes by as the team looks ahead to their first season in the NAHL.


Here's the current look at the NAHL Divisional Alignment.

North Division
Bismarck Bobcats
Aberdeen Wings
Alexandria Blizzard
Austin Bruins
Coulee Region Chill
Owatonna Express

East Division
Michigan Warriors
Motor City Metal Jackets
Traverse City North Stars
Chicago Hitmen
Janesville Jets
St. Louis Bandits
Springfield Jr. Blues


South Division
Topeka Roadrunners
Texas Tornado
Amarillo Bulls
New Mexico Mustangs
Corpus Christi Icerays
Wichita Falls Wildcats

West Division
Alaska Avalanche
Dawson Creek Revenge
Fairbanks Ice Dogs
Kenai River Brown Bears
Fresno Monsters
Wenatchee Wild


From the North American Hockey League Website: www.nahl.com

The Amarillo, Texas Team that will begin play in the North American Hockey League this fall has announced its name and the unveiling of its logo.

After the completion of the team's name the team contest, the team will be named the Amarillo Bulls.

"The number of entries for the "Name the Team" Contest was trendmous given the short time frame we had to put it together," said Gary Gelinas, executive VP of Consolidated Sports Owners of the Bulls. "The top three choices were popular among the voters and we're thrilled with the name, logo and colors."

"Bulls are a part of the makeup of Amarillo and the region, are strong and powerful animals, and represent the strength, aggression and meanness we hope our team will display."

The color scheme focused on Amarillo is that our part of the state of Texas. The primary color is scarlet red - a color affiliated with Bulls and one that represents a strong base. Navy Blue is the secondary color and represents the Texas' State Flag. The color represents the history and heritage of the name Amarillo, which means yellow in Spanish.

"We fell the logo is strong and powerful by creating a bull that's staring in the opponent and is in motion," Gelinas added. "We wanted a powerful look and we believe the name and logo will catch on with our merchandise sales and with the crowd as they chant, "Go Bulls Go"! in the Civic Center.

"We want to think our media partners for their support of the contests, Kris Miller for taking the lead for us locally," the Civic Center and all the fans who voted for their favorite name and had a say in naming the NAHL Team."

Keith Flynn, of Flynnagain Productions, who has produced many team and league logos, designed the Bulls logo.

Fore more info on the Amarillo Bulls Team, log on to www.amarillonahl.com